Romy is from Germany and has been living in Denmark for four years with her German husband. They reside here because they love Copenhagen's rich city life, which is also close to nature. And you can even swim in the harbor! During the COVID-19 period, Romy decided to learn Danish in an online course with rapid progress. She passed the final Danish Exam 3 two years ago. However, Romy wanted to learn more.
A conversation course led to language coaching and opened new doors.
Even though she had become proficient in Danish, Romy felt that something was missing. She wanted to get closer to Danish culture and feel more at home in Denmark. So, about a year ago, she enrolled in a conversation course at Studieskolen. There, she was offered the opportunity to try language coaching, where, as a student, she received individual guidance on her language learning. Romy told the language coach that Danish culture was mostly something she knew in theory because it's challenging to connect with Danes in everyday life. The language coach offered to help her find a good Danish conversation partner.
And this is where Hedda comes into the picture.
Hedda is Danish and retired eight years ago. She has always had a passion for languages. Therefore, she took a linguistic high school exam and worked as an au pair in France for a year after graduation. Hedda still understands French, although she doesn't use it as often. But about two years ago, Hedda decided to learn Greenlandic because she lived in Greenland in the 1970s and has worked in Greenland multiple times as a nurse since then. Now, she is learning Greenlandic at Studieskolen at level 3 and has an impressive Greenlandic pronunciation.
Hedda and Romy have been conversation buddies for a year.
They were matched through Studieskolen's language coach because they share many common interests, including art and culture, and fortunately, they've discovered that they also get along well as friends. Romy is 36 years old, and Hedda is 80.
They meet approximately once a week at Hedda's home and usually read the same articles in Weekendavisen, giving them something to talk about. But if there's an exciting film or exhibition to see, they enjoy going out in the city together.
When you're not born and raised in Denmark, you may sometimes wonder about the things you experience. You might ask yourself: Is there something wrong with me, or is it just Danish culture? Romy usually discusses such experiences with Hedda, providing a sense of security to know what to expect and what one can assert in Denmark.
Hedda has her own private 'digital consultant'.
Sometimes, when dealing with digital issues, Hedda seeks help from Romy, who works at Nets with user design and user-friendliness. And Romy loves being able to help and give back. She's good at explaining all things digital in Danish! Hedda can confirm that.
Hedda has had many conversation buddies since she retired. Among them, there have been many nationalities, but mostly Iranians. Perhaps one day, she'll have a conversation partner from France or Greenland. That would give her the opportunity to practice one of the foreign languages she has learned.
And what's the best thing about having conversation buddies? "It's that you get some lovely experiences," Hedda answers with a radiant smile.
Advantages of being conversation buddies according to Hedda and Romy:
- You get to speak more in your target language and practice oral skills.
- You can have your oral mistakes corrected – both pronunciation and grammar.
- You have enriching experiences with someone from another culture.
- You learn to better understand each other's culture.
- You mutually help each other with what you are good at.
- You gain a new friend and can pursue common interests together.
Do you also dream of having a conversation partner?
If you are learning a language at Studieskolen and would like to have a conversation partner, feel free to talk to your teacher about it. We cannot guarantee conversation buddies for everyone, but we always try to find a good match for students who dream of having a conversation partner.
Do you want to know more about language coaching?
Language coaching is a method that helps you gain clarity and an overview of your language learning and provides you with concrete tools to work with. You can read more about language coaching here: https://www.studieskolen.dk/sprogcoaching